§ 46. Mr. John Rankinasked the Prime Minister what Scottish authorities were consulted by him, and on what dates, before he reached his decision about the disposal of the Coronation Stone.
§ 50. Mr. Rossasked the Prime Minister who and what organisations were consulted before the decision was reached to return the Stone of Destiny to Westminster Abbey.
§ The Prime MinisterThe consultations were necessarily confidential, and I could not properly disclose with whom they took place.
§ Mr. RankinWill the Prime Minister make one point quite clear? Is his decision affecting the disposal of the Stone 28 merely a temporary one, covering the period of the Coronation? If he refuses to disclose the sources of his advice on this matter, is he aware that he is treating responsible Scottish opinion very shabbily indeed?
§ The Prime MinisterThe decision applies to the times in which we live, and it is open to any Parliament at any time to sustain their Ministers in taking a different decision.
§ Mr. RankinIs the decision merely temporary, then?
§ Mr. RossDoes the Prime Minister appreciate that the Questions merely ask for the names of the people and organisations consulted, and not for the actual advice which they gave him? Is he asking us to understand that he cannot tell the people of Scotland who were the eminent Scottish authorities whom he consulted?
§ The Prime MinisterNo names, no pack drill.
§ Mr. A. WoodburnAs to the ultimate destination of the Stone, is the Prime Minister aware that a good deal of feeling has been caused among those who have not been consulted and who believe that they have been treated rather discourteously, in view of the attitude taken up to now?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that he has placed the Dean of Westminster in a most unfortunate position, and that the Dean of Westminster is now wondering whether, on the Day of Judgment, he will appear with the Prime Minister on a charge of accepting stolen property?
§ The Prime MinisterI should have thought that the hon. Member would have been more concerned with the future of the Dean of Canterbury
§ Mr. Raymond GowerIs my right hon. Friend aware that if a neutral resting place is desired for this Stone, we can doubtless give it temporary accommodation in Wales?
§ Mr. RankinMay I ask the Prime Minister if, in reaching his decision, he consulted the hon. and gallant Member for East Perth (Colonel Gomme- Duncan)?